Superintendents continue dialogue with lawmakers

The superintendents of our local Ventura County school districts and I recently had the opportunity to sit down with several of our local legislators from both parties to discuss a number of education-related issues, including the state-budget crisis and its impact on the students we serve. We would like to express our appreciation for their willingness to hear our concerns and engage in a constructive dialogue as to how we can and will do our very best for children in these difficult times.

This was actually the second forum on this topic. In January, we were able to meet with local lawmakers on the Democratic side of the aisle: Julia Brownley, Pedro Nava and Fran Pavley. This second opportunity included not only Assemblywoman Brownley and state Sen. Pavley, but state Sen. Tony Strickland, Assemblywoman Audra Strickland and Assemblyman Cameron Smyth. Also in attendance were the legislators’ aides, including Linda Johnson from state Sen. George Runner’s office.

Although we didn’t solve education or government’s problems, this groundbreaking event allowed each of us the value of face-to-face dialogue and the affirmation that the future of our children is of the highest priority — regardless of partisan politics.

Specifically, we discussed how every dollar wasted outside education is one not available to the classroom; that jobs and growth — including teaching positions — are critical to the recovery of our economy; that relief from unnecessary and redundant regulatory “red tape” is critical for the retargeting of scarce financial resources; and the need to preserve local decision-making as a means of controlling our own destiny.

Having initiated these conversations, and now that the May 19 election is behind us, it is our hope and expectation to continue working together toward solutions in the best interest of our kids.

Once again, many thanks to our local lawmakers who will work hard to help us find the answers.